No Images? Click here SNOWY MOUNTAINS TO HOST TRAIL RUN FINALEOff road endurance event specialists In2Adventures have launched a new trail running series in Australia, with the finale event to be held in the iconic Snowy Mountains. Trail Run Australia will challenge participants to get off road and take on a challenge against Mother Nature in some of the most demanding and diverse terrain in the country. NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said, “The Snowy Mountains has a strong reputation as a world-class adventure destination year round for adrenalin sports enthusiasts. “Through our tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, the NSW Government supports the four adventure sports events run in the Snowy Mountains by In2Adventure, including Trail Run Australia, the Australian Aquathlon Championships, the Snowies Mountain Bike Festival and the Australian National Cross Triathlon Championships. Over three years, these events are expected to attract more than 3,000 overnight visitors to the region, injecting approximately $1 million into the local visitor economy.” The Snowies Ultra Trail Run Festival, the final event of Trail Run Australia, will be held on 24 February, 2019. To register, visit www.trailrunaustralia.com. HERBARIUM TO MAKE NSW LEADER IN PLANT SCIENCESThe National Herbarium of NSW is being moved to Western Sydney and will house an incredible 1.4 million plant specimens, positioning NSW as Australia’s leader in plant science. The National Herbarium will move from its current location in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to Mount Annan thanks to a $60 million investment from the NSW Government as part of the 2018 Budget. The new, purpose-built Centre of Innovation in Plant Sciences at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan will be the nation’s premier botanic science research facility. The Herbarium’s current building in Sydney, the Robert Brown Building, will be rejuvenated into a high-quality science, education and discovery centre, showcasing the world-renowned work of botanists and scientists. The new Centre of Innovation in Plant Sciences will open in 2022. Public tours for the current Herbarium in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney are available here. VIVID SYDNEY ON SHOW IN NEW SOUVENIR BOOKA new 60-page Vivid Sydney souvenir book has been released to mark the 10th anniversary celebrations of the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas. The book provides festival lovers with a colourful and illustrative display of the event’s history, most memorable installations and a snapshot of the festival’s three famous pillars – light, music and ideas. Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said there was no better time to launch a special edition book. “Vivid Sydney has captivated hearts around Australia and the world and we’re delighted to be celebrating its successful journey on the festival’s 10th birthday,” Mr Marshall said. The Vivid Sydney souvenir book can be purchased for $22 (incl. GST) via vivdsydney.com or at the information booths located throughout the festival’s footprint. SHORT TERM HOLIDAY LETTING PLAN A WIN-WINThe NSW Government has announced a new short-term holiday letting plan that will support the sharing economy and give consumers more choice. When the host is not present, a limit for hosts to rent out properties via short-term holiday letting of 180 days in Greater Sydney will apply, with 365 days allowed in all other areas of NSW. Minister for Fair Trading Matt Kean said the reforms recognise the estimated $31 billion annual contribution of online booking platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway (formerly Stayz) to the Australian economy, while stamping out party houses through a mandatory Code of Conduct. “We have consulted widely with industry and the community to make sure our nation-leading regulatory framework is the very best approach to short-term holiday letting,” Mr Kean said. The mandatory Code of Conduct for online accommodation platforms, letting agents, hosts and guests will address impacts like noise levels, disruptive guests and effects on shared neighbourhood amenities. The Code will also include a new dispute resolution process to resolve complaints, and NSW Fair Trading will have powers to police online platforms and letting agents. For more information, click here. SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL BEGINSThe 65th Sydney Film Festival opened this week at the State Theatre with the Australian premiere of New Zealand film The Breaker Upperers. Festival Director Nashen Moodley opened his seventh Festival to a packed auditorium including the film’s writers-directors-stars Jackie van Beek and Madeleine Sami, alongside Australian actress Celia Pacquola who features in the film. NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said, “Each year as one of eight UNESCO Cities of Film around the world, Sydney welcomes thousands to take in two weeks of incredible discussion and diversity on the big screen. “From some of the very best in Australian storytelling to some of the highest profile international highlights, the festival and regional tour that follows is an opportunity to share our passion and diversity for a truly immersive experience of outstanding cinema and culture.” The Sydney Film Festival will run until 17 June and tickets are on sale now. Call 1300 733 733 or visit www.sff.org.au. Image credit: Sydney Film Festival. VIVID SYDNEY WELCOMES PARALYMPIAN KURT FEARNLEYVivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas recently welcomed marathon champion Kurt Fearnley and his family as the festival continues to champion access and inclusion. The three-time Paralympic Gold Medallist, said he enjoyed spending time with wife Sheridan, children Harry, four and Emilia, six months and niece Laura, 13, in an inclusive, family-friendly environment. “It’s great to know the organisers of Vivid Sydney have put a lot of thought and effort into the access and inclusion elements of this year’s festival,” Mr Fearnley said. “Considerations such as featuring wheelchair friendly venues, Auslan interpreters at music and speaking events and audio-described tours are exactly the kind of things we need to make their way into the mainstream events and Vivid Sydney is leading the way.” Pre-booked special access zone tickets are available to assist families with specific access requirements for Tumbalong Lights, an inclusive experience created by official Vivid Sydney Access and Inclusion Partner Cushman & Wakefield, along with Destination NSW. Visit www.vividsydney.com/event/light/tumbalong-lights. ORANGE REGIONAL |